zung1舂
Jyutpingzung1
Yalejūng
Definition
To pound, pestle, or hit repeatedly with force to crush or break up something.
colloquialdaily actionsbody
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of grinding or pounding with a pestle, this verb is frequently used metaphorically to describe forceful, repetitive impact. It often carries a sense of violence or recklessness when applied to body parts like the head or fist. The term implies a heavy, downward motion that is distinct from a simple strike or tap.
Examples
He is pounding the medicinal herbs into pieces with a lot of force.
Why are you banging your head against the wall?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general verbs for hitting like 打. Using 舂 suggests a heavy, crushing, or repetitive pounding action, so it sounds unnatural if used for a light tap or a quick slap.
Grammar color guide
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Verb
Adjective
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Particle
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
